Was offered cash to withdraw case: Goa rape victim

Panaji, Dec 21: The Russian girl, who was allegedly raped by Goa-based politician John Fernandes, has claimed that the accused's associates offered her money to withdraw the case.

The 25-year-old Russian girl said that a friend of Fernandes called her up last evening and offered Rs 15 lakh to withdraw the charges against him.

She further said that the caller also threatened her with dire consequences if she pursue the case further.

"Accused's associates have made attempts to 'bribe' the victim with huge sum of money to withdraw the case," Russian Consulate's representative in Goa Vikram Varma was quoted by news agency as saying.

"Despite 18 days having passed and formal arrest warrant issues, the accused is still absconding. He has ample opportunity and freedom to manipulate the evidence and intimidate as well as influence the witnesses," he said.

"Such a conduct is deplorable and can influence the credibility of our criminal justice system," Varma added.

John allegedly raped the Russian girl after spiking her drink at Colva beach on Dec 1.

The accused has been missing after the anticipatory bail was rejected by the Bombay High court.